Pulled pork is a classic barbecue dish that is commonly served at parties and large gatherings. But determining how much pulled pork to cook for a crowd can be tricky. Here is a detailed guide on how much pulled pork to cook based on the number of guests you plan to serve.
How Much Pulled Pork Per Person?
A general rule of thumb is 4-6 ounces of pulled pork per person. This equates to:
- 1⁄4 to 1⁄3 pound per person
- 113 to 170 grams per person
So if you are serving pulled pork sandwiches, plan on 4-6 ounces of finished pulled pork per sandwich. For a buffet-style meal, allow each guest to take 4-6 ounces total.
Amount Needed for 8 lbs of Pulled Pork
An 8 lb pork shoulder or pork butt will yield about 12 cups or 3 quarts of pulled pork. Here is a breakdown of how many people an 8 lb pork shoulder will feed:
| Serving Size | Number of 4 oz Servings | Number of 6 oz Servings |
|---|---|---|
| 8 lbs pork shoulder | 32 | 21 |
- At 4 oz per person, 8 lbs of pulled pork will feed about 32 people
- At 6 oz per person, 8 lbs of pulled pork will feed about 21 people
So you can safely estimate that an 8 lb pork shoulder will provide enough pulled pork for 21-32 guests, depending on your serving size.
Factors that Affect Yield
There are a few factors that can affect the yield and amount of pulled pork you get from an 8 lb pork shoulder:
- Bone-in vs Boneless – Boneless pork shoulder will yield a bit more usable meat compared to bone-in.
- Cooking Method – Roasting or smoking will result in some moisture loss, decreasing yield compared to braising or slow cooking.
- Trimming – Excess fat cap and connective tissue trimmed before and after cooking will reduce yield.
- Serving Style – Serving pulled pork piled high on buns may use more meat than dished up in a buffet line.
Taking these factors into account, here are some yield ranges you can expect:
| Cook Method | Yield Range |
|---|---|
| Roasted Bone-In | 10-12 cups pulled pork |
| Smoked Boneless | 11-13 cups pulled pork |
| Braised Boneless | 12-14 cups pulled pork |
As a general guideline, plan on your 8 lb pork shoulder yielding 11-13 cups, or 2.75-3.25 quarts of pulled pork after cooking, resting, and pulling.
Pulled Pork Leftovers
You may have leftover pulled pork, depending on how many guests you serve. Here are some tips for dealing with extras:
- Allow guests to take home leftovers in to-go containers
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours; use within 3-4 days
- Freeze leftovers for longer storage; thaw in fridge before using
- Repurpose extras into dishes like tacos, nachos, pizza, sandwiches, omelets, etc.
Properly stored, pulled pork will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Frozen pulled pork keeps for 2-3 months. Refrigerate thawed pork and use within 3-4 days.
How to Store Leftover Pulled Pork
Here are some storage tips for pulled pork leftovers:
- Let cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers or resealable bags.
- Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking; use within 3-4 days.
- For freezer storage, pack cooled pork in portion sizes in bags or containers leaving 1⁄2 inch headspace.
- Label packages with contents and date.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months at 0°F or below.
- Thaw frozen pork overnight in the fridge before using.
With proper refrigeration and freezing, leftover pulled pork will keep for several days to months, letting you enjoy the fruits of your barbecue labor again and again!
Recipes for a Crowd with 8 lbs Pork
An 8 lb pork shoulder provides you with a generous amount of meat for feeding hungry guests. Here are some great recipes to serve a crowd with 8 lbs of pulled pork:
Pulled Pork Sandwiches
The classic! Pile pork high on hamburger buns or rolls with your choice of bbq sauce and sides like coleslaw, baked beans, and potato salad.
Nachos
Top corn tortilla chips with pulled pork, shredded cheese, beans, salsa, and other favorite nacho ingredients. Bake or broil until hot and melty.
Tacos
Set up a taco bar with warmed tortillas, pulled pork, shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, avocado, cheese and any other favorite taco toppings.
Pizza
Top baked pizza crusts with bbq sauce, pulled pork, onions and cheese for a crowd-pleasing pizza night.
Baked Potatoes
Bake large russet potatoes and top with butter, cheese, bacon, scallions, and heaps of pulled pork for a hearty meal.
Salads
Toss tender pulled pork with greens, veggies, beans, cheese, and bbq or vinaigrette dressing for a filling main dish salad.
Soup
Simmer pulled pork in tomato sauce and broth with beans, corn and seasonings for an easy and hearty soup for a crowd.
Buying Guide for 8 lbs Pork Shoulder
When purchasing an 8 lb pork shoulder to make pulled pork for a party, keep these buying tips in mind:
- Select a bone-in or boneless pork shoulder roast, also called a pork butt.
- Choose a roast that is 7-8 lbs; larger roasts are hard to cook evenly.
- Pick a roast that is evenly shaped for even cooking.
- Choose pork with a thick layer of fat cap for moisture; trim later.
- Look for pork that is pinkish-red without discoloration.
- For smoked flavor, choose a bone-in Boston butt.
- For pulled pork, don’t buy pre-marinated or pre-seasoned roasts.
Ask your butcher for recommendations on sizing, shape and fat cap for an 8 lb pork shoulder ideal for slow cooking or smoking pullec pork for a crowd!
Conclusion
An 8 lb pork shoulder will yield about 12 cups or 3 quarts of pulled pork, enough for 21-32 servings depending on portion size. Boneless roasts will provide slightly higher yields than bone-in. Allow 4-6 oz pulled pork per person when buying and cooking pork shoulder for a party. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days, or frozen for 2-3 months. Now that you know how much to expect from an 8 lb pork shoulder, you can confidently cook up tender, juicy pulled pork for your next crowd-sized gathering!